I am interested in a Pollo Campero franchise, location New York area(Bronx,Westchester County) Pleas reply with any information you have to my request.
Editor's note: Since you are initiating a group discussion, I have moved your blog posting to the forum discussion area, "Have You Heard About This Franchise Concept?". On the other hand, if you want to record a journal of your search for a franchise and the insights you gain, we hope you will write a blog rather than a forum discussion. (Choose blog entry.)
Here are a few tools on this sight to help you find out more about Pollo Campero.
In the search field (top right), put in "Pollo Campero". That will pull up news articles on PC. Here's a couple. You can also search forum remarks on Pollo Campero.
Go to our Franchise Directory and find out who their competitors are by selecting a category, say - Fast Food franchise. Lots of competition.
You can find quite a bit of information about them by going to buying tools in Blue MauMau.
In some cases you can get a free Uniform Franchise Offering Circular. The link for a free UFOC is in the buying tools page. (On my first pass, I didn't see a registration of Pollo Campero in California so there is no free UFOC online. But it could be because the corporation has a different name.)
I found a couple of interesting news stories on PC that Blue MauMau's search function pulled up.
The articles have some insightful comments, including an official declaration posted on Blue MauMau from a Pollo Campero spokesperson regarding the Guatemala lawsuit.
The IFA Franchise Directory as of 2 years ago had Pollo Campero's head office at:
5 AV. 15-45 Zona, 10 Centro Empressarial Torre II PH, Guatemala City, 1010 Guatemala
History: 42 franchised units; 139 company-owned units; in business since 1971; franchising since 1994. 5 Franchised Units in USA.
Question: Does anyone have any direct experience with PC?
Question: Have any members seen a Pollo Campero in the New York City area that is no longer there?
I just wish there had been a Blue Mau Mau in the 80's when I first became a franchisee. The information contained on this site is truly remarkable, and can save aspiring franchisees a ton of heartache and cash.
As a long time franchisee, (but not a current one), I am happy to share my thoughts or advice with anyone aspiring to buy a franchise. I make no money from franchises, I do not sell them, and I have no affiliation with any of them. I do have a ton of experience, both positive and negative, in franchise relationships.
Think of this site as unconventional due diligence!
PC began US ops here in Houston. What the PC experience was in Guatemala has nothing to do with its prospects for success here in the US.--
Richard Solomon, FranchiseRemedies.com, has 44 years experience with franchise litigation and crisis management. He is a graduate of The Citadel and The University of Michigan Law School
Your insights and help are sorely needed here. Today we just had someone asking for info and guidance on Pollo Campero in our forum discussion area. Think you might be able to help?
20yearzee,
Terrific comments. Carry on.
Any ideas about how to phrase questions to former franchisees to get the "real goods".
It has been my experience that even many years after a negative experience, a former franchisee becomes extremely emotional when approached by a stranger that demonstrates sincerity.
I've often used:
"Some franchises work out real well, and some, not so well. Do you know anyone who's had a rough time?"
COMMENTS
Talk to the spouse: Fantastic idea. Listen for the meaning in the pauses of the conversation.
Maybe have your spouse talk to THEIR spouse? priceless
Les Stewart
I am not familiar with this franchise. I would highly recommend the potential purchaser do very intense due diligence here - focusing on what is happening to current franchisees, and then tearing the UFOC apart, and running very specific "what if" spreadsheets.
You will want to spend a bit of time getting to know each zee, and get some detail on what is important to him and/or her and their families.
A good way to get into the business disussion is to ask "how did you get into this business?" followed by
"Is it easier (more difficult) than you thought it would be?
What are the pitfalls of being a ___________ franchisee?
Are you planning to open more locations?
How has the franchise helped you the most?
Is there anything you think the franchise could do better?
Do you get along well with your franchise representative?
What is the one thing you would advise me to look out for if I decide to get into the franchise?
The Key is to ask questions, and then clam up while the zee talks. Your job is to obtain information, not to talk about yourself!
Remember: doing this on the phone will not yield the same results as a nice time around a dinner table. If you are traveling to their city just to meet with them, they will likely be impressed and informative.
Does anyone out there have a formatted scenario plan (what-if) spreadsheet that we can post on Blue MauMau? You can create a blog and post it as an attachment or you can email it to me.
Our buying tools area is in desperate need of financial tools.
The media has reported numerous times on ongoing civil litigation against Pollo Campero and its owners for alleged shareholder fraud, tax evasion, and money laundering.
Pollo Campero Information
Editor's note: Since you are initiating a group discussion, I have moved your blog posting to the forum discussion area, "Have You Heard About This Franchise Concept?". On the other hand, if you want to record a journal of your search for a franchise and the insights you gain, we hope you will write a blog rather than a forum discussion. (Choose blog entry.)
Here are a few tools on this sight to help you find out more about Pollo Campero.
I found a couple of interesting news stories on PC that Blue MauMau's search function pulled up.
The articles have some insightful comments, including an official declaration posted on Blue MauMau from a Pollo Campero spokesperson regarding the Guatemala lawsuit.
The IFA Franchise Directory as of 2 years ago had Pollo Campero's head office at:
Question: Does anyone have any direct experience with PC?
Question: Have any members seen a Pollo Campero in the New York City area that is no longer there?
Buy the UFOC
Buy the UFOC, read it and ask questions.
Michael Webster PhD LLB
Franchise News
This just in from the school of hard knocks
I just wish there had been a Blue Mau Mau in the 80's when I first became a franchisee. The information contained on this site is truly remarkable, and can save aspiring franchisees a ton of heartache and cash.
As a long time franchisee, (but not a current one), I am happy to share my thoughts or advice with anyone aspiring to buy a franchise. I make no money from franchises, I do not sell them, and I have no affiliation with any of them. I do have a ton of experience, both positive and negative, in franchise relationships.
Think of this site as unconventional due diligence!
Pollo Campero investment..
has to be extremely carefully vetted.
PC began US ops here in Houston. What the PC experience was in Guatemala has nothing to do with its prospects for success here in the US.--
Richard Solomon, FranchiseRemedies.com, has 44 years experience with franchise litigation and crisis management. He is a graduate of The Citadel and The University of Michigan Law School
Just What the Doctor Ordered
20YearZee,
Welcome!
Your insights and help are sorely needed here. Today we just had someone asking for info and guidance on Pollo Campero in our forum discussion area. Think you might be able to help?
Click here: Pollo Campero InformationMr. Blue MauMau
Welcome Aboard: How to Ask Questions
20yearzee, Terrific comments. Carry on. Any ideas about how to phrase questions to former franchisees to get the "real goods". It has been my experience that even many years after a negative experience, a former franchisee becomes extremely emotional when approached by a stranger that demonstrates sincerity. I've often used: "Some franchises work out real well, and some, not so well. Do you know anyone who's had a rough time?" COMMENTS Talk to the spouse: Fantastic idea. Listen for the meaning in the pauses of the conversation. Maybe have your spouse talk to THEIR spouse? priceless Les StewartPollo Campero
I am not familiar with this franchise. I would highly recommend the potential purchaser do very intense due diligence here - focusing on what is happening to current franchisees, and then tearing the UFOC apart, and running very specific "what if" spreadsheets.
You won't be a stranger after dinner and wine
You will want to spend a bit of time getting to know each zee, and get some detail on what is important to him and/or her and their families.
A good way to get into the business disussion is to ask "how did you get into this business?" followed by
"Is it easier (more difficult) than you thought it would be?
What are the pitfalls of being a ___________ franchisee?
Are you planning to open more locations?
How has the franchise helped you the most?
Is there anything you think the franchise could do better?
Do you get along well with your franchise representative?
What is the one thing you would advise me to look out for if I decide to get into the franchise?
The Key is to ask questions, and then clam up while the zee talks. Your job is to obtain information, not to talk about yourself!
Remember: doing this on the phone will not yield the same results as a nice time around a dinner table. If you are traveling to their city just to meet with them, they will likely be impressed and informative.
A Scenario Planner?
Good recommendation. Thanks.
Does anyone out there have a formatted scenario plan (what-if) spreadsheet that we can post on Blue MauMau? You can create a blog and post it as an attachment or you can email it to me.
Our buying tools area is in desperate need of financial tools.
Mr. Blue MauMau
editor@bluemaumau.org
Pollo Campero
The media has reported numerous times on ongoing civil litigation against Pollo Campero and its owners for alleged shareholder fraud, tax evasion, and money laundering.Post new comment